Applications for the fourth annual Nature Hero Awards have officially opened. Coordinated by Biodiversity in Schools and in partnership with leading Irish home builders, Glenveagh, the Nature Hero Awards are Ireland’s largest outdoor learning awards for schools, involving thousands of students across pre, primary and secondary levels each year.
The awards aim to create an educational space that nurtures a love for nature, develops a knowledge of biodiversity and encourages action to help its development at grassroots level. They are a mark of excellence for schools and recognise the exceptional work by young students and teachers to help nature.
This year, new prize funds are available for winning and participating schools, including a prize fund of up to €10,000, split between the top performing schools to upgrade their gardens.
Three levels of achievement are available for participating schools, including Bronze Badger, Silver Stag and Golden Eagle, each of which is marked with a sustainably made Irish wooden Nature Hero plaque.
Leading Irish home builder Glenveagh is proud to sponsor the Nature Hero Awards, which align with the company’s sustainability values and commitment to building lasting communities. It also forms part of its wider schools engagement programme and community outreach programmes.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan T,D,, said: “The Nature Hero Awards play a strong role in developing children’s knowledge of biodiversity, encouraging an awareness and love of nature among the schoolchildren who will become the guardians of Ireland’s biodiversity. I applaud all of the students who are helping to create meaningful change by participating in Nature Hero projects in schools all over Ireland, making a tangible contribution to our country’s biodiversity future.”
Mark Nolan, CEO and Founder of Biodiversity in Schools, said: “We are delighted to once again launch this year’s Nature Hero Awards. We’re looking forward to working with schools to increase their knowledge of biodiversity in a fun and collaborative environment. We would like to thank Glenveagh, who are our sponsors for the fourth year in a row.”
Annette McGarry, Head of Community Engagement at Glenveagh said: “We’re proud to continue our sponsorship of the Nature Hero Awards. After the success of last year’s awards, we can’t wait to see the biodiversity projects that students will complete this year. We are delighted to support the great work of Biodiversity in Schools on this programme and play a part in encouraging students to build a deeper understanding of the importance of fostering greater biodiversity throughout Ireland.”
For more information on the Nature Hero Awards, visit https://www.biodiversityinschools.com/nature-hero-awards